The OPPO X 2021 is an expanding, rollable smartphone

Living up to the event’s name, OPPO managed to showcase an innovative concept at OPPO Inno Day 2020 — the OPPO X 2021.

As far as concepts go, this one is pretty exciting. The OPPO X 2021 is a device that can go from something that has a 6.7-inch screen — which is the size of most big phones today, all the way up to 7.4-inches which is broaching tablet territory.

OPPO says the display — which is an OLED Flexible Display — is “rollable like a scroll.” In the showcase video, it used the imagery of waves pushing and expanding the smartphone. The company says this new form factor should give users the freedom to adjust the screen as they like.

To achieve the form factor, the company said they had to r redesign the stacking, placement of antenna, and cooling. A constant force motor called the Roll Motor Powertrain is what pushes the screen on the inside.

For stability, there’s a 2-in-1 plate to support the screen with no gaps. It ensures that the screen is completely flat without any traces of folding. This solution is also what enabled them to “eliminate the crease.”

They also added what they call a Warp Track which is a very thin laminate that protects the display.

OPPO’s concept isn’t a new thing. Sony and LG have previously patented similar designs in the past — albeit without a final product.